Ozzy Osbourne on Bill Ward: ‘He’s Incredibly Overweight. A Drummer Has to Be in Shape’

Black Sabbath are finally able to enjoy the fruits of their reunion. Well over a year-and-a-half after Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward first announced a new album and world tour, Sabbath have now accomplished both, but without Ward. There has been much discussion over Ward's departure, but in a new interview with Ozzy Osbourne, the singer questioned Ward's ability to perform a two-hour show each night; labeling the drummer as overweight and pointing out Ward's two past heart attacks.

Black Sabbath's reunion was officially revealed on Nov. 11, 2011 (11-11-11), but Bill Ward's contractual disputes and Tony Iommi's cancer diagnosis halted plans temporarily. Now, Black Sabbath have scored their first-ever No. 1 album in the U.S. with '13' and are currently on the road tearing up North America. Although Sabbath has experienced massive success with their partial reunion, the subject of Bill Ward is still constantly coming up.

In an interview with New York's Daily News, Ozzy Osbourne added to past claims that Ward is physically unable to keep up with Sabbath's live show. “I don’t think he could have done the gig, to be honest," says Ozzy. "He’s incredibly overweight. A drummer has to be in shape. He’s already had two heart attacks. I don’t want to be responsible for his life.” On the other hand, Ozzy hasn't ruled out Ward entirely. "The door is always open," Ozzy declares, adding that life without Ward in the band is "not the same."

Black Sabbath are now tearing through North America on their massively-anticipated semi-reunion tour. For concert dates, click here.